Wśród blasków i zapachów pomarańczy. Powinowactwo wierszy Tadeusza Micińskiego, Zdzisława Klemensa Dębickiego, Jana Pietrzyckiego i Anatola Sterna

Abstract

This work explores apparent similarities of motif in a number of lyrical works written at the beginning of the 20th century by authors whose poetics are usually considered very different. The work explores whether the similarity found in various images are outcomes of conscious references or completely incidental. It covers the poems [Glowing are golden oranges] ([Migocą złote pomarańcze]) by Tadeusz Miciński, The Dancing Faun (Faun tańczący) by Zdzisław Klemens Dębicki, The Pompeian Faun (Faun pompejański) by Jan Pietrzycki and The Mauritanian Landscape (Pejzaż maurytański) by Anatol Stern. Each text analysed separately before comparing similarities and differences with the others. Despite the differences in poetics, the works use similar motifs. The first of these is the architectonic motif (living room, house, fountain, city ruins). In each case, the space outlined is characterised by the lethargy, statics and lifelessness within it. A character, whose vitality or behaviour contrasts with static or majestic nature of that place, is placed within that world. The dance should be considered the second important common motif. Oranges (signalling exoticism), however, are the most characteristic common motif. In all the texts, whether presenting the fruit or the tree in blossom – the colour or fragrance of oranges acts as an invigorating and stimulating factor. In addition to these motifs, consideration of the poems’ messages reveals that The Mauritanian Landscape (Pejzaż maurytański) refers directly to the poem [Glowing are golden oranges] ([Migocą złote pomarańcze]), with Stern’s poem being linked to Miciński’s work by negation, thus creating the new quality. On the other hand, The Pompeian Faun (Faun pompejański) shows a predominant similarity to The Dancing Faun (Faun tańczący): Pietrzycki’s poem links to that of Dębicki by acceptance, continuation, multiplication and maintains the same spirit.